11/15/13

I have developed a definite affinity toward young adult, paranormal fiction books. I find myself drawn to one at least once a week! This week, I chose to read and review Untethered by author Katie Hayoz. What did I think of the latest paranormal novel on my reading list?

Quick Summary of Untethered. Sixteen-year-old Sylvie isn’t comfortable in her own skin. In fact, there are times she can’t even manage to stay inside it. But if there is one thing she’s sure of, it’s her love for Kevin Phillips. She’s willing to stake everything on it –her family, her friends, and possibly her soul.
Sylvie has been best friends with Cassie forever. But everything is turned around when the boy Sylvie’s loved since fifth grade falls for Cassie. Devastated, Sylvie intends to get Kevin by any means possible, even if it involves treachery, deceit, and the dark side of astral projection. She is positive her plans will give her what she wants, but she doesn’t count on it all spiraling out of control.

Excerpt from Untethered by Katie Hayoz

October 28th

I’m stuck in this body.
And I can’t get out.

I stare at my arms. These
arms. They’re not mine, but I’m wearing them. They’re thick and muscular and
covered in hair. The veins run like rope down the insides.

I squeeze my eyes shut
for the hundredth time, hoping that when I open them, I’ll look down and see my
own thin arms. My own delicate veins.

I don’t.

Oh, God, do I need help.
I need help. Now.

I stand and my head
spins. Grabbing onto the desk, I wait for the dizziness to pass. Wait for my
head to clear. It doesn’t happen.

I look from the desk to
the bed to the floor to the walls and see where I am. Clarity won’t come. Can’t
come. Because I’m not where I’m supposed to be.

My eyes travel to the
mirror and the face staring back in terror. “Please,” I say. The face says it
back, but sloppily. Like a drunk. “Please,” I beg again. “Where are you?” This
time the words feel formed. This time my lips, his lips, work the way I expect
them to. Or close to it.

But there’s no response.

I lift a hand. Take a
step. My movements are staccato. Jerky. Clumsy. Like electrodes are flexing
these muscles. Not me. Everything about this body is heavy and long. I take
another step forward and it’s smoother, but I’m not used to the bulk of this
body.

And I don’t want to get
used to it.

I want out. Of him. Of
here.

Untethered Review

Astral projections, out of body experiences--and a fast paced storyline. I was caught in the book's storyline in the first chapter and could not put it down. The author tells the story through Sylvie and offers much more than an "Oh, great, here I go again" perspective so often seen in YA paranormal books. It's emotional, well written, and both suspenseful and entertaining.

A YA paranormal book without witches and vampires? Untethered is not about witches or vampires. In fact, the paranormal aspect has some real-world "tethers"--making it a little off the beaten path and a break from the same old/same old.

Would I recommend Untethered by Katie Hayoz? I really enjoyed the book and Hayoz' writing style. I look forward to reading more from the author in the future. If you enjoy paranormal--with a little, "real life" thrown in the mix--this book may be for you!

About the Author

Katie Hayoz was born in Racine, WI, the youngest of six kids. Originally, she wanted to become pope (for the awesome hat and fancy robes), but quickly realized reading was her true religion. Writing was always a hobby, but she decided to go at it seriously when she ended up in Geneva, Switzerland. Now she's constantly at her laptop in the small apartment she shares with her husband, two daughters, and two fuzzy cats. She devours YA novels like she does popcorn and black licorice: quickly and in large quantities.